Members of the University of the South Pacific’s two staff unions are set to strike today. Both unions had previously voted to strike in March due to issues including salary increases, changes in promotion policies, and the heavy workload faced by teaching staff.
Five months later, on August 14, the unions voted again to initiate a strike, this time demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. This decision followed the dismissal of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, a mid-career academic and president of the AUSPS. During a meeting earlier this week, the unions expressed dissatisfaction that long-standing concerns had not been addressed.
In an email sent to all union members, the secretariat confirmed that the strike would commence at 8:30 AM today, labeling the day as “Black Friday” at USP. The secretariat emphasized that the strike is an essential part of their ongoing efforts for improved leadership at the university, urging members to make their voices heard and unite for necessary change.
The University of the South Pacific Students Association (USPSA) shared their apprehensions about the strike. In a statement, the USPSA clarified that while some of its members support the strike, the student body as a whole is distinct and not part of the strike organization.
In response to the strike, the university released a statement indicating that the matter is viewed as outside the scope of their collective contracts and employment conditions. They reassured that the focus remains on supporting students and minimizing disruptions to services.